Unit of Competence: Service and Repair mobile phones

Module Title: Servicing and repairing mobile phones Service manuals

Meaning of Terms used in Mobile Phone Repairing

Before you learn how to repair a mobile phone, it is very important to understand
meanings of some of the important terms used during mobile phone repairing. Read and understand these
terms and their meaning. This will help you later during the course of mobile cell phone repairing.

 1G: 1St Generation in Mobile Telephony.

 2G: 2Nd Generation in Mobile Telephony.
 3G: 3Rd Generation in Mobile Telephony.
 4G: 4 Th Generation in Mobile Telephony.
 AC: Alternate Current.
 BGA: Ball Grid Array.
 BSI: Battery Status Indicator.
 CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access.
 CPU: Central Processing Unit.
 DCT: Digital Core Technology.
 DC: Direct Current.
 GSM: Global System for Mobile Communications.
 IMEI: International Mobile Equipment Identity.
 IC: Integrated Circuit.
 LED: Light Emitting Diode.
 PDA: Personal Digital Assistant.
 PFO: Power Frequency Oscillator.
 PCB: Printed Circuit Board.
 RAM: Random Access Memory.
 RF: Radio Frequency.
  ROM: Read Only Memory.
 RTC: Real Time Clock.
 RX: Receive / Receiver (Receiving Section).
 SMD: Surface Mount Device.
 TX: Transmit (Transmitting Section).
 UEM: Universal Energy Manager
 VCO: Voltage-Controlled Oscillator.

What are the features of a mobile phone?

Feature of mobile phones. The main purpose of the mobile phone is to be able to make transmit
and receive telephone calls. In addition, text messaging is a basic function, officially called SMS (Short
Message Service). All phones, even the cheapest ones are able to perform these basic functions.
What a cell phone is made of?
Cell phones can be made up of plastics, rechargeable batteries, and metals. The types of
metals found in cell phones can vary. Metals that have been recovered from cell phones in the recycling
process have included gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, tin, and zinc!
What is a mobile handset?
A cordless telephone uses a radio transceiver as its handset, and a radio transceiver,
wired to the telephone line, as a base station. In a mobile telephone, the entire unit is usually a radio
transceiver that communicates through an outdoor base station located at a cell site.

Mobile Phone Repairing Tools & Equipment Tools to Repair Mobile Cell Phone

When selecting tools and equipment for repairing mobile cell phones, it is important to select the best
tools. Cheap or inexpensive tools and equipment may not be handy when repairing a mobile phone. On
the other hand, best quality little expensive tools and equipment will help you to repair a mobile phone
easily and comfortable. I am personally trained in mobile cell phone repairing and my personal experience
says that we must always select and buy the best tools available in the market or online. These good
quality tools may cost a little more but in the long term you will be happy that you bought the best tools.

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Cellular Telephone Systems
 Provide connection to the PSTN for any user location within
the radio range of the system.
 Characteristic
– Large number of users
– Large Geographic area
– Limited frequency spectrum
– Reuse of the radio frequency by the concept of “cell’’.
 Mobile users and handsets:- Very complex circuitry and design
 Base stations:- Provides gateway functionality between
wireless and wireline links
 Mobile switching centers:- Connect cellular system to the
terrestrial telephone network
Basic cellular system: mobile stations, base stations, and
mobile switching center.
1G Cellular network
1G refers to the first generation of wireless telephone technology, mobile
telecommunications which was first introduced in 1980s and completed in early 1990s.
It's Speed was up to 2.4kbps.
It allows the voice calls in one country.
1G network use Analog Signal.

AMPS was first launched in USA in 1G mobile systems .

 1G
Poor Voice Quality
Poor Battery Life
Large Phone Size
No Security
Limited Capacity
Poor Handoff Reliability 1G Wireless System

2G Cellular network
 2G technology refers to the 2nd generation which is based on GSM.
 It was launched in Finland in the year 1991.
 2G network use digital signals.
 It’s data speed was up to 64kbps.

Features Includes:

 It enables services such as text messages,

picture messages and MMS (multi media message).
 It provides better quality and capacity .
2G
2G requires strong digital signals
to help mobile phones work. If there
is no network coverage in any specific

area , digital signals would be wea k.

 These systems are unable to
handle complex data such as Video
2.5G Cellular network
 2.5G is a technology between the second (2G) and third (3G) generation
of mobile telephony.
 2.5G is sometimes described as 2G Cellular Technology combined with
GPRS.
Features Includes:
 Phone Calls
 Send/Receive E-mail Messages
 Web Browsing
 Speed : 64-144 kbps
 Camera Phones
 Take a time of 6-9 mints. to download a 3 mints. Mp3 song
 3G Cellular network

3G technology refer to third generation which was introduced in year 2000s.

Data Transmission speed increased from
144kbps- 2Mbps.
Typically called Smart Phones and
features increased its bandwidth
and data transfer rates to accommodate
web-based applications and audio
and video files.

FEATURES OF 3G TECHNOLOGY
Providing Faster Communication
 Send/Receive Large Email Messages
 High Speed Web / More Security
Video Conferencing / 3D Gaming
 TV Streaming/ Mobile TV/ Phone Calls
 Large Capacities and Broadband Capabilities
 11 sec – 1.5 min. time to download a 3 min Mp3 song.
 DRAWBACKS OF 3G TECHNOLOGY
 Expensive fees for 3G Licenses Services
 It was challenge to build the infrastructure
for 3G
 High Bandwidth Requirement
 Expensive 3G Phones.
 Large Cell Phones
4G Cellular network
(Anytime ,Anywhere)

4G Cellular network(Anytime ,Anywhere)

4G technology refer to or short name of fourth Generation which was started from late
2000s.
Capable of providing upto100Mbps speed.
One of the basic term used to describe 4G is MAGIC.
MAGIC:
• Mobile Multimedia
• Anytime Anywhere
• Global Mobility Support
• Integrated Wireless Solution
• Customized Personal Services
Also known as Mobile Broadband Everywhere.
The next generations of wireless technology that promises higher data rates and expanded
multimedia services.
Capable to provide speed up to 100Mbps.
High QOS and High Security
Provide any kind of service at any time as per user requirements, anywhere.
Features Include:
 More Security
 High Speed
 High Capacity
 Low Cost Per-bit etc.
 DRAWBACKS OF 4G
Battery uses is more
Hard to implement
Need complicated hardware
Expensive equipment required
to implement next generation
network.
5G Cellular network
5G technology refer to short name of fifth Generation which was started from late 2010s.
Complete wireless communication
with almost no limitations.
It is highly supportable to WWWW
(Wireless World Wide Web).

BENEFITS OF 5G TECHNOLOGY
High Speed, High Capacity
5G technology providing large broadcasting of data in Gbps .
Multi - Media Newspapers, watch T.V programs with the clarity as to that of an HD Quality.
Faster data transmission that of the
previous generations.
Large Phone Memory, Dialing Speed,
clarity in Audio/Video.
Support interactive multimedia , voice,
streaming video, Internet and other
5G is More Effective and More Attractive.
EVOLUTION OF 1G TO 5G TECHNOLOGY

Wireless System Definitions(1)

Mobile Station
A station in the cellular radio service intended for use while in
motion at unspecified locations. They can be either hand-held
personal units (portables) or installed on vehicles (mobiles)
Base station
A fixed station in a mobile radio system used for radio communication
with the mobile stations. Base stations are located at the center or edge of
a coverage region. They consists of radio channels and transmitter and
receiver
Mobile Switching Center
Switching center which coordinates the routing of calls in a large service
area. In a cellular radio system, the MSC connections the cellular base
stations and the mobiles to the PSTN (telephone network). It is also
called Mobile Telephone Switching Office (MTSO)
Subscriber
A user who pays subscription charges for using a mobile
communication system
Transceiver
A device capable of simultaneously transmitting and receiving
radio signals
antennas mounted on top of a tower.
Control Channel
Radio channel used for transmission of call setup, call
request, call initiation and control purposes.
Forward Channel
Radio channel used for transmission of information from
the base station to the mobile
Reverse Channel
Radio channel used for transmission of information from
mobile to base
Simplex Systems
Communication systems which provide only one-way
communication
Half Duplex Systems
Communication Systems which allow two-way
communication by using the same radio channel for both
transmission and reception. At any given time, the user
can either transmit or receive information.
Full Duplex Systems
Communication systems which allow simultaneous two-
way communication. Transmission and reception is
typically on two different channels (FDD).
Handoff
The process of transferring a mobile station from one
channel or base station to an other.
Roamer
A mobile station which operates in a service area (market)
other than that from which service has been subscribed.
Page
A brief message which is broadcast over the entire service
area, usually in simulcast fashion by many base stations at
the same time.
Global System for Mobile (GSM)
What is GSM ?
Global System for Mobile (GSM) is a second
generation(2G) cellular standard developed to cater
voice services and data delivery using digital
modulation.
GSM Architecture
GSM network divided into three major subsystems:
The Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
The Network Switching Subsystem (NSS) and
The operation support subsystem(OSS)
GSM System Architecture(1)
Mobile Station (MS)
Mobile Equipment (ME)
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
Base Station Controller (BSC)
Network Switching Subsystem(NSS)
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Home Location Register (HLR)
Visitor Location Register (VLR)
Authentication Center (AUC)
Equipment Identity Register (EIR)
GSM System Architecture(2)
Mobile Station (MS)
The Mobile Station is made up of two entities:
1. Mobile Equipment (ME)
2. Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)
Mobile Equipment(ME)
• Portable , vehicle mounted, hand held device
• Uniquely identified by an IMEI (International Mobile
Equipment Identity)
• Voice and data transmission
• Monitoring power and signal quality of surrounding
cells for optimum handover
• Power level : 0.8W – 20 W
• 160 character long SMS.
Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a smart card that contains:
• Subscriber International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number
• Has SIM personal identification number(PIN)-Protected by the PIN
• Address book contact information
• Stores SMS messages
• Allows user to send and receive calls and
receive other subscribed services
• Can be moved from phone to phone – contains key information to activate
the phone
• Contains information about the types of services available for the
subscriber.
Base Station Subsystem (BSS)
Base Station Subsystem is composed of two parts that communicate across
the standardized Abis interface allowing operation between components
made by different suppliers
1. Base Transceiver Station (BTS)
2. Base Station Controller (BSC)
Base Transceiver Station (BTS):
• Encodes , encrypts , multiplexes , modulates and feeds the RF signals to
the antenna.
• Communicates with Mobile station and BSC
• Consists of Transceivers (TRX) units
Base Station Controller (BSC):

• Manages Radio resources for BTS

• Assigns Frequency and time slots for all MS’s in its area
• Handles call set up
• Transcoding and rate adaptation functionality
• Handover for each MS
• Radio Power control
• It communicates with MSC and BTS
Network Switching Subsystem(NSS
Network Switching Subsystem(NSS):
It is responsible for performing call processing and
subscriber-related functions.
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Home Location Register (HLR)
Visitor Location Register (VLR)
Authentication Center (AUC)
Equipment Identity Register (EIR)

Mobile Switching Center (MSC)

• Heart of the network
• Manages communication between GSM and
other networks
• Call setup function and basic switching
• Call routing
• Billing information and collection
• Mobility management
- Registration
- Location Updating
- Inter BSS and inter MSC call handoff

• MSC does gateway function while its customer

roams to other network by using HLR/VLR.
Home Location Registers (HLR)
- Permanent database about mobile subscribers in a large
service area(generally one per GSM network operator)
- database contains IMSI , MSISDN , prepaid/postpaid ,
roaming restrictions , supplementary services.

Visitor Location Registers (VLR)

- Temporary database which updates whenever new MS enters
its area, by HLR database
- Controls those mobiles roaming in its area
- Reduces number of queries to HLR
- Database contains IMSI , MSISDN , MSRN, Location Area ,
authentication key.
Authentication Center (AUC)
- Protects against intruders in air interface
- Maintains authentication keys and algorithms and provides
security triplets
- Generally associated with HLR
Equipment Identity Register (EIR)
- Database that is used to track handsets using the IMEI
(International Mobile Equipment Identity)
- The AUC and EIR are implemented as stand-alone nodes or as a
combined AUC/EIR node
Operation Support Subsystem(OSS
The OSS is the functional entity from which the network operator monitors
and control the system.
It is remote maintenance center for all network elements
An important function of OSS is to provide a network overview and support
the maintenance activities of different operation and maintenance
organizations.
 GSM Standards
GSM-900 and GSM-1800 are used in most parts of the world: Europe, Middle
East, Africa, Australia, Asia
GSM 900
• Mobile to BTS (uplink): 890-915 Mhz
• BTS to Mobile(downlink): 935-960 Mhz
• Bandwidth : 2* 25 Mhz

GSM 1800
• Mobile to BTS (uplink): 1710-1785 Mhz
• BTS to Mobile(downlink): 1805-1880 Mhz
• Bandwidth : 2* 75 Mhz
Characteristics of GSM Standard
•Fully digital system using 900,1800 MHz frequency band.
•TDMA over radio carriers (200 KHz carrier spacing).
•User/terminal authentication for fraud control.
•Encryption of speech and data transmission over the radio path.
•Full international roaming capability.
•Low speed data services (up to 9.6 Kb/s).
•Support of Short Message Service (SMS).

GSM Call Routing(1)

Outgoing Call
1:MS sends dialed number to BSS
2: BSS sends dialed number to MSC
3,4: MSC checks VLR if MS is
allowed the requested service. If
so, MSC asks BSS to allocate
resources for call.
5:MSC routes the call to GMSC
6:GMSC routes the call to local
exchange of called user
7, 8,9,10: Answer back(ring back) tone
is routed from called user to MS
via GMSC,MSC,BSS
 Incoming Call
1: Calling a GSM subscribers
2: Forwarding call to GSMC
3: Signal Setup to HLR
4,5: Request MSRN from VLR
6: Forward responsible MSC to
GMSC
7: Forward Call to current MSC
8,9: Get current status of MS
10,11: Paging of MS
12,13: MS answers
14,15: Security checks
16,17: Set up connection

GSM Services
Tele-services
Bearer or Data Services
Supplementary services
 When selecting tools and equipment for repairing mobile cell phones, it is
important to select the best tools. Cheap or inexpensive tools and equipment
may not be handy when repairing a mobile phone. On the other hand,
best quality little expensive tools and
equipment will help you to repair a mobile phone easily and comfortable. I am
personally trained in mobile cell phone repairing and my personal experience
says that we must always select and buy the best tools available in the market or
online. These good quality tools may cost a little more but in the long term you
will be happy that you bought the best tools.

There are hundreds of tools for mobile phone repairing available in the market. It
is important to select the best brand. Below all the tools and equipment needed
for mobile cell phone repairing:

Soldering Iron:

Fig. 1.1 Shows Soldering Iron

It is used to solder small components like capacitor, resistor, diode, transistor, regulator,
speaker, microphone, display etc. A 50 watt soldering iron is good enough for most
mobile phone repairing job. When buying a soldering iron, select the one that is easy to
hold and does not burn your hand. The soldering iron must have option to choose and
select different types and shapes of soldering tips or bits. These tips or bits must be
replaceable. It must also be ESD-Safe (Antistatic) because most electronic components in
a mobile phone are very sensitive and can get damaged due to static charge or
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 electricity. Hakko and Weller are two world renowned brands who manufacture, sell and export
world class soldering irons and other soldering tools and equipments.
Soldering Station: A soldering station has 2 units – a station and an

Fig. 1.2 Shows Soldering Station equipments

Soldering Station Iron: It has option to control temperature depending on the heat
requirement of the soldering job being done. The soldering iron is attached with the
soldering station. It is better and more convenient than traditional soldering iron. It makes
soldering work much easier and faster. When buying a soldering station for mobile phone
repairing one must always select an ESD-Safe (Antistatic) model. Hakko and Weller are two
world renowned brands who manufacture, sell and export world class soldering irons and
other soldering tools and equipments.

PCB Holder / PCB Stand: A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) holder or PCB

Fig. 1.3 Shows PCB holder

PCB Holder stand: is used to old the PCB of a mobile phone while soldering or repairing. It
holds the PCB very strongly and doesn’t a lows it to move thus helping in
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 repairing. Again, it is important and wise to select a good quality PCB holder
rather than a cheaper and inexpensive one.

Solder Wire: Solder wire is used to solder electronic components, ICs

Fig. 1.4 Shows Solder wire or Jumper

Solder Wire or jumper: Composition of most solder wire is Tin / Lead in the ratio 60:40 or 63:37. Since
the introduction of RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) from electronics, more and more companies
are using lead-free solder. Lead-free solder wire is available in many compositions but the most common
composition is Tin / Silver / Copper in the Ratio 96.5:3.0:0.5. Solder wire is available in different diameters
such 2.0mm, 1.5mm, 1.0mm, 0.5mm, 0.2mm etc. For mobile phone repairing 0.5mm solder wire is best
suitable. Kester is a world renowned manufacturer and supplier of solder wire and other soldering material.

Thinner or PCB Cleaner: Thinner or PCB cleaner is used to clean the PCB of a mobile phone. The
most common PCB cleaner used in mobile phone repairing is IPA or Isopropyl Alcohol. It is important to
buy only good quality PCB cleaner as poor quality PCB cleaners can damage the board.
Fig.1.5 Shows PCB Cleaner

Jumper Wire: This is a thin laminated or coated copper wire used to jumper
from one point to another on the track of a mobile phone while repairing. Most
people doing the work of mobile repairing do jumper to solve many problems.

Fig.1.6 Shows Jumper Wire Blade Cutter:

This is used to remove lamination from jumper wire. It can also be used
for several other purposes.

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Fig.1.7 Shows Blade Cutter

Point Cutter: It is used for cutting.

Fig.1.8 Shows Point Cutter

Nose Cutter: It is used for cutting.

Fig.1.9 Shows Nose Cutter

 Precision Screwdriver: It is used to remove and tighten screws while assembling and
dissembling a mobile phone. Precision screwdrivers of sizes T4, T5, T6 and forehead are good
for most mobile repairing job.

Fig.1.10 Shows Screwdriver for Mobile Phone Repairing

Tweezers: These are needed to hold electronic components, ICs, jumper wire etc while soldering
and Disordering.

Fig.1.11 Shows Tweezers

Brush: These are used for cleaning the PCB of a mobile phone while
repairing. It is important to buy only ESD-Safe cleaning brushes.

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 Fig.1.12 Shows ESD-Safe Brush for Mobile Repairing

Multi Meter: Used to find faults, check track and components. Always buy
a good quality reliable ESD-Safe digital Multi meter for mobile repairing
works.

Fig.1.13 Shows Multi meter

Hot Air Blower: It is also called SMD (Surface Mount Device) rework system and
SMD repair system. It has control to regulate or manage temperature and flow or hot air.
Always buy a good quality ESD-Safe hot air blower.

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 Fig.1.14 Shows Hot Air Blower

Battery Booster: It is used to boost the power of battery of a mobile

phone.

Fig.1.15 Shows Mobile Phone Battery Booster

Ultrasonic Cleaner: Used to clean PCB of a mobile phone and electronic

components.

Fig.1.16 Shows Ultrasonic Cleaner for Mobile Repairing

BGA Kit: Used to Re ball and repair ball-type ICs. BGA stands for Ball Grid
Array. Page 10 of 21
 Fig.1.17 Shows BGA Kit for Mobile Repairing

Magnifying Lamp: It is used to see the magnified view of the PCB

of a mobile phone. Most magnifying lamps also have light. Magnifying
lamps are available in different magnification such as 3x, 4x, 5x, 10x,
50x etc.

Fig.1.18 Shows Magnifying Lamp to Repair Mobile Phone

Mobile Opener: These are used to open the housing or body of a mobile
phone.

Fig.1.19 Shows Mobile Phone Opener DC

Power Supply: Regulated DC (Direct Current) power supply is used to supply DC
current to a mobile phone. Most repair person
used DC power supply to switch ON a mobile phone without battery.
Fig.1.20 Shows DC Power Supply for Mobile Phone Repairing

Liquid Flux: It is used to clean PCB track and legs or pins of electronic components while
soldering. Liquid flux improves quality of soldering. Kester flux is world renowned for good
quality.

Fig.1.21 Shows Liquid Flux for Mobile Phone Repairing

Paste Flux: This is also used while soldering.

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 Fig.1.22 Shows Paste Flux

Solder Paste: This is solder in molted semi-solid form. It looks like paste. Solder paste is
mainly used for Rebelling of ICs.

Fig.1.23 Shows Solder Paste

Cleaning Sponge: This is used to clean tip of soldering iron while soldering.

Fig.1.24 Shows Cleaning Sponge to Clean Tip of Soldering Iron

Disordering Wire: Disordering wire or De solder wire is used to remove excess solder from track
of PCB. Chemtronics is world renowned manufacturer and supplier of De soldering wire.

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 Fig.1.25 Shows De soldering Wire

of different shapes and sizes to a

world renowned
Screw driver Kit: It has several screwdrivers dissemble and
manufacturer,
assemble a mobile phone. Tool is exporter and supplier of all
kinds of tools and tool kits.

Fig.1.26 Shows Screwdriver Kit

IRDA or Infrared Workstation: This machine is similar to hot air blower. Only difference is that it
gives heat through infrared. It is very precise and give heat only where it is needed thus preventing any
damage to nearby electronic components on a PCB.

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 Fig.1.27 Shows Infrared Workstation

LCD Tester: Used to check whether LCD screen of a mobile phone is faulty or not.

Fig.1.28 Shows LCD Tester

Microscope: It is used to see a magnified view of PCB or electronic components. These are
available in different zoom options. Many microscopes can also be connected to a computer or a
monitor.

Fig.1.29 Shows Microscope for Mobile Repairing

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 Test JIG Box: This device is used to diagnose and find fault or problem in a mobile phone.
It helps the mobile phone to work and function normally outside its case. This helps to test and
check voltage and other test points on the PCB. It simple words it helps a mobile phone to
work without battery.

Fig.1.30 Shows Test JIG Box

Wrist Strap: It is work in the wrist of the person who is repairing a mobile phone. It helps to discharge
or ground static charge thus preventing the PCB or electronic components from any damage.

Fig.1.31 Shows Wrist Strap

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 Antistatic Hand Gloves: It is important to wear ESD-Safe hand gloves while repairing
a mobile phone to prevent PCB and electronic components from static charge.

Fig.1.32 Shows Antistatic Hand Gloves

Antistatic Mat: It is laid or placed on the table or workbench where mobile repairing is done.
The mat is grounded using a grounding cord or normal grounding wire. This also prevents damage
from static electricity.

Fig.1.33 Shows Antistatic Mat

Antistatic Apron: It is a dress work by people who repair mobile phones. This also helps to
discharge static electricity.

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Fig.1.34 Shows Antistatic Apron

Smoke Absorber: This is like an exhaust fan that helps to filter smoke that comes out while
soldering and de soldering.

Fig.1.35 Shows Smoke Absorber

Battery Tester: This device is used to test and analyze status or condition of battery of a
mobile cell phone.

Fig.1.36 Shows Battery Tester

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Answer Sheet
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